U.S. patent number 5,794,844 [Application Number 08/779,821] was granted by the patent office on 1998-08-18 for multi-point locking system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Cutler Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to Kenneth W. Jenkins.
United States Patent |
5,794,844 |
Jenkins |
August 18, 1998 |
Multi-point locking system
Abstract
The invention comprises a multiple point latching system for use
with postal box clusters. In particular, the multiple point
latching system comprises a latch bar, a track member, a plunger
assembly and a plurality of latch plates. The latch bar is slidably
coupled relative to a center partition in the postal box and
includes a plurality of latches thereon. The latch bar slides in a
vertical movement within a track member which is coupled to the
center partition of the postal box. The plurality of latches on the
latch bar present a plurality of latch points which aggregate to
achieve the securement of the postal box cluster. The multiple
point latching system further comprises a plunger assembly which is
coupled to the center partition and which supplies a force that
acts upon at least one master door to thereby force at least one
master door open upon an unlatching of the latches. Hence, a single
lock having multiple latch points is used to access and
subsequently secure the entire postal box cluster.
Inventors: |
Jenkins; Kenneth W.
(Auburndale, FL) |
Assignee: |
Cutler Manufacturing
Corporation (Lakeland, FL)
|
Family
ID: |
25117681 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/779,821 |
Filed: |
January 7, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
232/25; 292/120;
292/DIG.72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G
29/1201 (20130101); E05B 17/0037 (20130101); E05C
9/02 (20130101); Y10T 292/0925 (20150401); Y10S
292/72 (20130101); E05B 65/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47G
29/12 (20060101); A47G 29/00 (20060101); E05C
9/00 (20060101); E05B 17/00 (20060101); E05C
9/02 (20060101); E05B 65/02 (20060101); B65D
091/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;292/120,117,136,DIG.72
;232/24,25,26,27,39 ;312/216 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Johnson; Blair
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stein, Schifino & Van Der
Wall
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multiple point latching system for use on a postal box, the
postal box having one vertical side and an opposite vertical side,
a first master door hingedly coupled along the one vertical side of
the postal box, a second master door hingedly coupled along the
opposite vertical side of the postal box, and a center partition
positioned within the postal box, whereby the first and second
master doors close so to meet adjacent the center partition, said
latching system comprising in combination:
a latch bar, said latch bar being slidably coupled relative to the
center partition, said latch bar including a plurality of
latches;
a track member coupled vertically along the center partition,
wherein said track member slidably contains said latch bar and
facilitates vertical movement thereof;
a plunger assembly, said plunger assembly being coupled to said
center partition and applying a force on at least one master door
so to force at least one master door open upon an upward movement
of said latch bar a sufficient distance to allow said plunger
assembly to activate; and
a plurality of latch plates, said latch plates being positioned on
at least one master door whereby said latch plates engage
respective said plurality of latches on said latch bar so to secure
at least one master door in a closed position,
whereby said latch bar is forced upwards to release said plurality
of latches and said plunger assembly forces at least one master
door open.
2. The multiple point latching system as recited in claim 1,
wherein each of said latches is comprised of an extending arm
having a nose portion with a vertical ramp thereon to facilitate
the movement of said nose portion over said latch plate to thereby
forcibly engage said latch plate.
3. The multiple point latching system as recited in claim 1,
wherein said plunger assembly further comprises a plunger bracket
having a bore, said plunger bracket being coupled to the center
partition, a plunger cylindrical in shape and having a flat end, a
round end, a first retaining means protruding radially outward
therefrom positioned adjacent said flat end, and a second retaining
means protruding radially outward therefrom positioned intermediate
to said flat end and said round end, said plunger being positioned
so to pass through said bore in said plunger bracket and said first
retaining means to facilitate preventing said plunger from
disengaging from said plunger bracket, a compression spring
positioned circumferentially around said plunger and interposed
between said plunger bracket and said second retaining means
whereby said compression spring provides a force on said
plunger.
4. The multiple point latching system as recited in claim 3,
wherein said first and second retaining means include a washer and
a cotter pin.
5. The multiple point latching system as recited in claim 2,
wherein said latch bar includes an oval slit therein so to
facilitate said plunger passing through said latch bar to forcibly
engage at least one master door.
6. The multiple point latching system as recited in claim 5,
wherein said latch bar further includes a latch handle, said latch
handle facilitating an upwards motion of said latch bar to thereby
disengage said latches from said latch plates.
7. The multiple point latching system as recited in claim 1,
wherein said track member is generally U-shaped in nature and
includes an internal side, a first groove and a second groove
positioned opposite each other and on said internal side so to
slidably receive said latch bar.
8. A multiple point latching system for use on a postal box, the
postal box having one vertical side and an opposite vertical side,
a first master door hingedly coupled along the one vertical side of
the postal box, a second master door hingedly coupled along the
opposite vertical side of the postal box, and a center partition
positioned within the postal box, whereby the first and second
master doors close so to meet adjacent the center partition, said
latching system comprising in combination:
a track means for providing slidable movement therealong, said
track means being coupled to the center partition of the postal
box;
a latching means for securing at least one master door in a closed
position, said latching means being slidably coupled to said track
means; and
a plunger means for providing a force so to forcibly open at least
one master door upon said latching means being slid upwards a
sufficient distance to allow said plunger means to activate.
9. A multiple point latching system as recited in claim 8, wherein
said latching means is comprised of a latch bar slidably coupled
relative to the center partition, a plurality of latches coupled to
said latch bar, and a plurality of latch plates coupled to at least
one master door.
10. A multiple point latching system as recited in claim 9, wherein
each of said plurality of latches is further comprised of an
extending arm having a nose portion with a vertical ramp thereon to
facilitate the movement of said nose portion over said latch plate
to thereby forcibly engage said latch plate.
11. A multiple point latching system as recited in claim 10,
wherein said latch bar further includes a latch handle, said latch
handle facilitating an upwards motion of said latch bar to thereby
disengage said latches from respective said latch plates.
12. A multiple point latching system as recited in claim 8, wherein
said plunger means is comprised of a plunger assembly including a
plunger bracket having a bore, said plunger bracket being coupled
to the center partition, a plunger cylindrical in shape and having
a flat end, a round end, a first retaining means protruding
radially outward therefrom positioned adjacent said flat end, and a
second retaining means protruding radially outward therefrom
positioned intermediate to said flat end and said round end, said
plunger being positioned so to pass through said bore in said
plunger bracket and said first retaining means to facilitate
preventing said plunger from disengaging from said plunger bracket,
a compression spring positioned circumferentially around said
plunger and interposed between said plunger bracket and said second
retaining means whereby said compression spring provides a force on
said plunger.
13. A multiple point latching system as recited in claim 9, wherein
said track means comprises a track member of a generally U-shape
nature, said track member further including an internal side, a
first groove and a second groove positioned opposite each other and
on said internal side so to slidably receive said latch bar.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a latching system and, more particularly,
to a multiple point latching system for use on a postal box
cluster.
2. Description of the Background Art
Presently, many types of latching systems are known and are in wide
use today throughout the postal box industry. Usually these
latching systems are used on a multiple unit mailbox system that
contains a cluster of individual mail slots to be used by a number
of homes or apartments living in a relative or close proximity. A
problem that is encountered by the prior art mailbox clusters is
related to gaining access to the cluster of mailboxes
simultaneously so that the postal service can deliver or deposit
mail therein. Many of the prior art mailbox designs require an
individual unlocking of each mail slot so as to deposit mail
therein. Some of the prior art mailbox clusters do allow for the
unlocking of a single or double door which in turn results in
providing simultaneous access to the cluster of mailboxes. However,
those latching systems of the prior art that generally provide for
simultaneous access, are complicated, cumbersome, provide access
through the rear and require the performance of multiple steps to
gain access. Furthermore, the latching systems currently used in
those prior art mailbox clusters generally provide a weak
securement of the master door since there is only one latch point
that serves to secure the master door. Therefore, the mailbox
clusters currently in use have a high degree of vulnerability
associated with them as to being broken into and having mail
stolen.
Some representative prior art latching systems and multiple unit
mailboxes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,413; 4,533,165 and
4,557,416, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein. The disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,413, issued
to Chester, discloses generally a post office locker having a
latching mechanism for each individual locker whereby, upon gaining
access to the locker and thereafter closing the locker door, the
access key is retained in the latching mechanism. Subsequent
removal of the access key is obtained only by the postal service
worker. Thus, access to individual mail slots is achieved one at a
time in an individual fashion.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,165, issued to Edelman, a latching system
for releasably locking a door to a housing is disclosed whereby a
hook and keeper pin is utilized to accomplish the engagement. In
Edelman, a keeper pin is located relative to a handle that is
mounted on a pivotable point to pull back on the keeper pin once
the keeper pin is engaged with the hook to forcibly preserve the
engagement. Once again, the disclosure in Edelman teaches a single
lock for each door and further involves only a single latch point
to achieve the securing of the door.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,416, issued to Stahl, et al., a multiple
unit mailbox is disclosed having a front panel that contained a
plurality of openings in a spaced relationship from each other for
receiving mail therein. Each opening further included a hinged door
assembly that was comprised of an individual door that was hingedly
fixed to a rod that ran the vertical length of the front panel.
Once again, Stahl taught a mailbox cluster wherein each individual
compartment required a separate lock and access to each compartment
was achieved in a singular fashion.
While the above-referenced latching systems and mailbox clusters
operate sufficiently to provide a multiplicity of mail slots that
are individually locked, there still remains the disadvantage of
having to access each mail slot in an individual manner. In
addition, there still remains the problem of having a complicated
access routine to gain entry into the mailbox cluster when a single
master panel door is present. Further, the locked integrity of the
mailbox cluster, in general, is inadequate in that only one latch
point is utilized to achieve the securement of the master door.
Therefore, the current prior art mailbox clusters that utilize a
master door type of concept, are susceptible to being broken into
and having mail stolen.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an
improvement which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the
prior art devices and provides an improvement which is a
significant contribution to the advancement of the latching system
art used on postal boxes.
Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple point
latching system whereby the master door is secured in the closed
position by way of a plurality of latches thereby providing a
mailbox cluster having a high degree of security so to minimize the
potential for being broken into.
Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple point
latching system that can provide easy simultaneous access to all
the mail slots in a mailbox cluster commonly used in apartment
complexes and housing developments.
Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple point
latching system for use on postal boxes that provides for the use
of only one lock to unlock all of the mailbox cluster.
Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple point
latching system for use on postal boxes whereby a master door is
automatically forced open upon being unlatched.
Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple point
latching system for use on postal boxes that requires only a simple
push on the master door to effectively close the entire mailbox
cluster in a secured state.
Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple point
latching system for use on a postal box, the postal box having one
of a vertical side and an opposite vertical side, a first master
door hingedly coupled along the one vertical side of the postal
box, a second master door hingedly coupled along the opposite
vertical side of the postal box, and a center partition positioned
within the postal box whereby the first and second master doors
close so to meet adjacent the center partition, the latching system
comprising in combination: a track means for providing slidable
movement therealong, the track means being coupled to the center
partition of the postal box; a latching means for securing at least
one master door in a closed position, the latching means being
slidably coupled to the track means and having a plurality of
latches thereon; and a plunger means for providing a force to
forcibly open at least one master door upon the latching means
being slid upwards.
The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of the
invention. These objects should be construed to merely illustrative
of some of the more prominent features and applications of the
intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained
by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or
modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure.
Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the
invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment
in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention
comprises a multiple point latching system for use with postal box
clusters. More particularly, the multiple point latching system
comprises a latch bar, a track member, a plunger assembly and a
plurality of latch plates. The latch bar is slidably coupled
relative to the center partition of the postal box and the latch
bar includes a plurality of latches thereon. The track member is
coupled vertically along the center partition and serves to
slidably receive the latch bar therein. The plunger assembly is
coupled to the center partition also and supplies a force which
acts upon at least one master door to force at least one master
door open upon upward movement of the latch bar. The plurality of
latch plates are positioned on at least one master door in relative
alignment so to cooperate with the respective plurality of latches
positioned on the latch bar.
The actual opening of the postal box is achieved by an upward
movement of the latch bar which in turn results in each of the
latches being disengaged from their respective latch plates and the
plunger assembly forcibly moving at least one master door open.
Upon the master door opening, the latch bar can be released so to
slide down to its resting position without a possibility of
re-engaging the latches with the latch plates.
An important feature of the present invention is that the latching
system herein utilizes multiple points of engagement to secure the
master doors.
Another important feature of the present invention is that the
multiple point latching system for use with a postal box cluster is
that it provides for simultaneous access to all the mail slots
without having to individually open a lock for each mail slot.
Another important feature of the present invention is that the
multiple point latching system requires the use of only one lock to
secure the mailbox cluster.
Another important feature of the present invention is that the
multiple point latching system for use with a mailbox cluster
provides for an automatic opening of the master door upon being
unlatched so as to prevent a re-engagement of the latches upon the
release of the latch bar and its return to its locked position.
Another important feature of the present invention is that the
multiple point latching system for use with a mailbox cluster
provides for a quick and easy one-step method of closing the master
doors in a secured manner.
Therefore, it can be readily appreciated that the present invention
overcomes the inadequacies in the prior art latching systems as
used on mailbox clusters and provides an overall high degree of
security to the mailbox cluster.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and
important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more
fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be
described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the
invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the postal box showing the center
partition, the first and second master doors, and the track member
in their relative positions;
FIG. 2 is an assembly view illustrating the center partition, the
plunger assembly, the track member, and the latch bar in their
relative positions to each other;
FIG. 2a is a top view of the track member illustrating the channel
portion, and the first and second notches in their relative
positions to each other;
FIG. 3 is a detailed assembly drawing of the latch bar illustrating
the relative positions of the latches, the latch handle and the
oval slit to each other;
FIG. 3a is top view of the latch bar illustrating the relative
positions of the first side flange, the second side flange and the
mid portion to each other;
FIG. 4a and 4b are a top plan view and a cross-sectional side view
taken along the line b--b of the plunger assembly illustrating the
relative positions of the plunger bracket, the plunger, the
compression spring and the first and second retaining means in
their relative positions to each other;
FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional top view showing the frame means, the
latch bar, the latches, the latch plate, and the plunger in their
relative positions to each other when the master doors are in a
closed state;
FIG. 5b is a vertical cross-sectional view of the master door
showing the track member, the latch bar, a latch in engagement with
a latch plate in their relative positions to each other;
FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional top view of the master doors
illustrating the cooperation of the doors to one another as well as
the plunger forcibly opening the master door upon the disengagement
of the latches upon an upward movement of the latch bar; and
FIG. 6b is a vertical cross-sectional view of the master door in at
open state showing the plunger passing through the track member and
the latch bar to contact the master door and the latch disengaged
from a latch plate .
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in FIG. 1, a front plan view of the postal box 5 showing
the center partition 10, the first second master doors 12 and 14,
and the tripping member 16 in their relative positions. The postal
box 5 can be made of sturdy and rigid plastic material as well as a
metal of some sort. Preferably, the postal box 5 is formed from an
alloy, such as aluminum, so as to be noncorrosive. With the first
and second master doors 12 and 14 in the open state, the individual
mail slots can be seen in the postal box 5. The first master door
12 has a first locking edge 13 that engages a second locking edge
15 positioned on the second master door 14 when the first and
second master doors 12 and 14 are in the closed state. Thus, by
locking the second master door 14 in the closed state, the first
master door 12 is resultingly secured by way of the first locking
edge 13 being engaged by the second locking edge 15 of the second
master door 14.
In referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2a, a detailed assembly view of the
center partition 10 having a plunger assembly 50, the track member
16, and the latch bar 26 all coupled relative thereto. The center
partition 10 includes a first edge 11 whereupon the track member 16
is coupled thereto. The track member 16 is coupled by way of
conventional standard bolts used commonly in the industry. The
track member 16 includes a channel portion 18, a first notch 22,
and a second notch 24 (see FIG. 2a). The channel portion 18 is
positioned and runs along the longitudinal axis of the track member
16. The first notch 22 is positioned opposite the second notch 24
so as to be in alignment therewith. The track member 16 is
preferably formed by way of an extrusion process so as to be
constructed of a single one-piece unit. The first and second
notches 22 and 24, being in alignment with each other, cooperate to
receive the latch bar 26 therein.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 3a, the latch bar 26 includes a first
side flange 27 and a second side flange 28 which facilitate the
vertical movement of the latch bar 26 within the first and second
notches 22 and 24 of the track member 16. The second side flange 28
of the latch bar 26 is received by the second notch 24 of the track
member 16 and the first side flange 27 of the latch bar 26 is
received by the first notch 22 of the track member 16. The first
side flange and second side flange 27 and 28 are integral with and
oppositely-extending outward from a midportion 29 (see FIG. 3a).
The latch bar 26 includes a latch handle 30 that is coupled to the
midportion 29 at an intermediate position thereon. The latch handle
30 is longitudinal in nature and includes a base portion 30a and an
extending portion 30b which has an inturned edge 30c. The latch
handle 30 is preferably formed from a hardened sturdy metallic
material. The latch handle 30 is preferably coupled to the latch
bar 26 by way of conventional standard bolts commonly used in the
industry.
In referring more to FIG. 3, a lock bracket 31 can be seen in more
detail as it is coupled to the latch bar 26 to facilitate the
locking of the postal box 5. The lock bracket 31 is generally
L-shaped in nature and includes a mounting portion 32, an
integrally-extending engaging portion 34, and a central opening 36
positioned within the engaging portion 34. The mounting portion 32
of the lock bracket 31 is coupled to the midportion 29 by way of
standard conventional bolts used commonly in the industry. The
central opening 36 positioned in the integrally-extending engaging
portion 34 serves to receive a dead bolt type of latch positioned
on the second master door 14. The dead bolt type of latch mechanism
is that of a conventional standard one used commonly in the
industry.
In further referring to FIG. 3, latches 38 can be seen in their
relative configuration in relation to the latch bar 26. The latches
38 include an anchoring plate 40 and a latch arm 42 that extends
integrally outward from the anchoring plate 40. The latch arm 42
has a nose portion 44 that incorporates a vertical ramp 46 thereon
(FIGS. 5b and 6b may better illustrate the shape of the latches
38). The latches 38 are coupled to the midportion 29 of the latch
bar 26 by way of conventional standard bolts used commonly in the
industry. Specifically, the conventional bolts are used to attach
the anchoring plate 40 of each latch 38 to the midportion 29 of the
latch bar 26. A total of three latches 38 are equally spaced along
the latch bar 26 so as to present three points of latching to
achieve the complete securement of the first and second master
doors 12 and 14. In addition, the latch bar 26 includes an oval
slit 48 positioned relative to an intermediate point along the
latch bar 26. The oval slit 48 facilitates the passing through of a
portion of the plunger assembly 50 so as to automatically force
open the second master door 14 upon an unlocking of the dead bolt
type of latch mechanism positioned on the second master door
14.
In now referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the plunger assembly 50 can be
seen in more detail. A top plan view and a cross-sectional side
view taken along line b--b of the plunger assembly is shown
illustrating the relative positions of its various components. The
plunger assembly 50 is comprised of a plunger bracket 51 having a
first and second mounting flange 52 and 53, a back member 54, and a
first and second side member 55 and 56. The first mounting flange
52 is integral with and extending outward from the first side
member 55 and the second mounting flange is integral with and
extending outward from the second side member 56. The first and
second mounting flanges 52 and 53 extend outward from their
respective side members 55 and 56 in a perpendicular manner. The
back member 54 is integral with and interposed between the first
and second side members 55 and 56 to form one integral
structure.
The back member 54 further includes a central bore 57 therethrough.
Passing through the central bore 57 is a plunger 58. The plunger 58
is generally cylindrical in shape and longitudinal in nature having
a flat end 59 and a round end 60. The plunger 58 has a first
retaining means positioned relative to the flat end 59 and a second
retaining means positioned intermediate to the flat end 59 and the
round end 60. A compression spring 62 is positioned
circumferentially around the plunger 58 and interposed between the
first retaining means and the second retaining means.
In coupling the plunger 58 to the plunger bracket 51, the plunger
58 is passed through the central bore 57 of the plunger bracket 51
such that the back member 54 of the plunger bracket 51 comes to
rest adjacent the first retaining means. Next a second washer 65,
of a conventional type commonly used in the industry, is positioned
over the plunger 58 and slid into a position adjacent the back
member 54. Once the second washer 65 is in position, the
compression spring 62 is slid into place adjacent the second washer
65. Finally, the second retaining means positioned at the opposing
end of the compression spring 62 is coupled to the plunger 58 so as
to retain the compression spring 62 and plunger 58 relative to the
plunger bracket 51. The first retaining means and the second
retaining means are comprised generally of a first and third washer
64 and 66 and a first and second cotter pin 67 and 68. The first
and second cotter pins 67 and 68 are positioned so as to
perpendicularly pass through the cylindrical plunger 58.
Thus, when the second master door 14 is in the closed state, the
plunger 58 is forced in a backwards movement so as to compress the
compression spring 62 and thereby develop a potential energy
therein. Hence, upon an unlocking of the dead bolt type latch
mechanism and an upward movement of the latch bar 26, the second
master door 14 is sprung open automatically due to the force
exerted thereon by the plunger 58 which is being forced forward by
the compression spring 62. The plunger bracket 51 is coupled to the
center partition 10 by way of the first and second mounting flanges
52 and 53. The first and second mounting flanges 52 and 53 are
secured to the center partition 10 by way of conventional bolts
used commonly in the industry. Further, the plunger 58 engages the
second master door 14 by way of passing through the first edge 11
of the center partition 10, the track member 16, and the oval slit
48 on the latch bar 26. The first, second and third washers 64, 65
and 66 are conventional washers used commonly in the industry. The
first and second cotter pins 67 and 68 are preferably formed from
spring steel so as to remain in place perpendicularly passing
through the cylindrical plunger 58.
So as to complete the multiple latch system, latch plates 70 are
positioned on the second master door 14 in cooperation with the
corresponding latches 38 on the latch bar 26. The latch plates 70
are generally rectangular in shape and have a flat top edge 72. The
latch plates 70 are fixed to the second master door 14 and operate
so as to engage the nose portion 44 and vertical ramp 46 of the
latches 38. In operation, when the first and second master doors 12
and 14 are closed, the top edge 72 of the latch plates 70 engage
the vertical ramps 46 of the respective latches 38 so as to allow
the extending latch arms 42 to pass over and come into releasably
engaged contact therewith. Whereupon a subsequent upward vertical
movement of the latch bar 26 then disengages the latch arms 42 from
the latch plates 70 and the plunger 58, due to a forward force
exerted on it by the compression spring 62, forces the second
master door 14 open.
In referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the latching operation can be
seen in more detail. FIG. 5a is a top cross-sectional view showing
the first locking edge 13 of the first master door 12 and the
second locking edge 15 of the second master door 14 in cooperation
with one another when the second master door 14 is in a latched
closed state. FIG. 5b is a vertical cross-sectional view of the
second master door 14 showing the engaging cooperation of the
latches 38 on the latch bar 26 with the latch plates 70 on the
second master door 14.
In referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the forward action of the
plunger 58 can be seen acting upon the second master door 14 when
the dead bolt type latch mechanism is unlocked. FIG. 6a is a
cross-sectional top view of the first and second master doors 12
and 14 with the plunger 58 causing the second master door 14 to be
automatically opened upon the latches 38 being disengaged from the
latch plates 70. FIG. 6b is a vertical cross-sectional view of the
second master door 14 showing the second master door 14 being
forced open by the plunger 58 upon the latches 38 being disengaged
from the latch plates 70.
Therefore, in operation, the latch bar 26 is forcibly moved upward
sliding along the track member 16 and resultingly disengaging the
latches 38 from the latch plates 70. The latch bar 26 is forcibly
moved upwards along the track member 16 by way of the latch handle
30 being pulled upwards. Access to the latch handle 30 is gained by
way of unlocking the deadbolt type latch mechanism that passes
through the central opening 36 of the lock bracket 31. Once the
dead bolt type latch mechanism is unlatched, a single respective
mail slot door is opened exposing the latch handle 30. Thus, a
mailbox cluster containing many individual mail slots can be
accessed simultaneously by way of opening one single lock and
lifting up on the latch handle 30 to disengage the latches 38
whereupon the first and second master doors 12 and 14 are
opened.
The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended
claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this
invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain
degree of particularity, it is understood that the present
disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of
example and that numerous changes in the details of construction
and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Now that the invention has been described,
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